Category Archives: UCM & AMUCO

The Nagas and tribal people in the present state of Manipur were a self-governed and self-administered people. A dual system of administration for the Hills and the Valley came into existence after the British annexed the Meitei kingdom in 1891. The tribal areas were administered by the political department of the British Crown. This dual system continued even after 1949 when the Meitei kingdom was merged with the Indian Unionalong with the tribal areas without their consent, through deception, and under protest of the Nagas and other tribal people. Since then the story of the Nagas and tribals in Manipur has been one of marginalization, victimization, discrimination and domination. The imposed system of governance is resulting in systematic degradation and obliteration of Naga and tribal history, culture, identity and rights to land and resources.

Naga Rally in Senapati HQ

Why the demand for Alternative Arrangement (AA)

Because of the unmistakable facts that it is impossible to protect our right to life, land, time-honored institutions, customary practices and values under the administration of the dominant and communal Government of Manipur (GoM). Our history with the GoM has clearly confirmed the harsh reality that it has never recognized and respected the identity and dignity of the Naga people. Some of the instances are:

Denial of right to proportional representation by rejecting census figures.

Opposing peace by violently objecting to the Indo-Naga Cease-fire in Manipur.

Ban on Peace Tour of Th. Muivah, Naga leader and negotiator to Naga areas in Manipur.

Systematic state violence against the Nagas as exemplified by the response of the GoM to the peace rally against police brutality at Mao Gate on 6th May 2010 where two students were shot dead and hundreds injured from indiscriminate firings, properties looted and destroyed, mass scale atrocities committed and warlike situation created in Naga areas.

Issue of arrest warrants and fixing of price tags on Naga leaders.

Imposition of Meiteilon andMeiteiscript in educational institutions.

Deprivation of service quota and violation of promotion rules in government services to disadvantage tribals.

Imphal centric governance and administration; and concentration of all infrastructures and facilities in Imphal Valley resulting in the denial of access to basic services and amenities, such as healthcare, education, communication etc.

Militarization of Naga areas where there is peace; and continuous imposition of Disturbed Areas Act and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 in hill areas.

Pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue, the rights and identity, land and resources, time-honored institutions, customary practices and values of the Nagas in Manipur have to be protected and defended from deprivation, de-recognition, obliteration and distortion with an Alternative Arrangement. In accepting this responsibility, we have neither sought direction from anyone high or low nor has anybody named or unnamed given us instructions. We the Nagas in Manipur who are compelled to seek for the alternative arrangement have no ulterior motive other than the firm conviction that all avenues for rapprochement for meaningful and peaceful co-existence have been exhausted and therefore the best way forward for the Nagas and the Meiteis is to part as good neighbors.

What is the Alternative Arrangement ?

Nagas have declared to sever all political ties with the communal GoM. Because of the severance of ties, the vacuum in governance and administration created thereby must be filled with an alternative arrangement by the Government of India(GoI) in consultation with the Naga people at the earliest possible time.

Any arrangement for the governance and administration of the Nagas in Manipur outside the state of Manipur.

The Constitution of India is amply clear about the unconstitutionality of the territorial integrity of states and provides for alternative arrangements.

It is the constitutional obligation of the GoI, a democratic government to ensure that the rights to culture, land, resources, identity and dignity of the Nagas in Manipur are protected with an arrangement outside the existing state of Manipur, which has unmistakably and consistently imposed a hegemonic rule uponthe Nagas in particular and to the tribals in Manipur in general.

The demand for alternative arrangement is for an emergency intervention and must be urgent and interim in nature so as to accommodate our immediate administrative needs without any prejudice to the legitimate political aspiration of the entire Naga family. It shall not and cannot undercut and upstage the larger Naga national issue.

The Process for Securing an Alternative Arrangement

8th of May, 2010 :

In view of the war that was waged upon the innocent and unarmed Naga citizens at Mao on the 6th May, 2010 by the GoM the Naga Hoho on the 8th of May, 2010 issued a statement that “…henceforth, we derecognize any artificial boundary lines drawn across our ancestral lands in the so called Manipur State”.

15th May 2010:

Naga frontal organizations declares their commitment to protect the rights and existence of Nagas and to sever relationship with the GoM and all the dominant organizations and individuals who collude with it.

18th June, 2010:

Declaration of Naga frontal organizations of 15th May 2010 endorsed by the Naga Hoho.

1st of July, 2010:

Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) convened at Tahamzam declared that the Nagas in the present state of Manipur will sever political ties with the GoM and demand for an Alternative Arrangement.

16th July, 2010:

Confirmation of Naga Hoho’s endorsement in the 3rd Federal Assembly of the Naga Hoho at Mokokchung.

9th August, 2010:

Constitution of the Committee for Alternative Arrangement (CFAA) as per NPC declaration.

14th Sept., 2010:

Based on the NPC declaration the United Naga Council(UNC) submitted a memorandum to Dr. Manmahon Singh, the Prime Minister of India at Delhi demanding an immediate intervention with an alternative arrangement to avoid any catastrophic consequences. In response, P. Chidambaram, the Hon’ble Union Home Minister (HM) initiated the process of the tripartite talk (TPT) of the GoM, GoI and UNC.

21st Sept., 2010:

1st TPT held at Delhi and agreed upon venue of next TPT and number of delegates.

3rd Dec., 2010 :

2nd TPT took place at Tahamzam (Senapati). GoM represented only by D. S. Poonia, Chief Secretary and senior bureaucrats despite official communication that a team of cabinet ministers would represent the GoM in the talk.

– UNC asserted that the 14th Sept. Memorandum speaks for itself and that it will be left to GoI to decide what the Alternative Arrangement would be within the ambit of the constitution.

GoI responded that issues presented in the Memorandum are legitimate complaints and that the fruits of democracy has not reached satisfactory level.

– GoM stated its stand on the territorial integrity of Manipur. UNC asked the GoI to comment on the same as it is not constitutional. GoI replied that the sanctity of the constitution must be upheld and within its bounds any arrangement can and would be possible.

– The GoI summed up the meeting as being not fruitless and that important issues have been thrown up which will be taken up at the higher levels and requested UNC not to shut the door for talk.

15th of Dec.,2010:

HM met the UNC team in the company of Shri O. Ibobi, Chief Minister, Manipur at Raj Bhavan, Imphal. HM, GoI expressed happiness that the TPT had taken place wherein concerned parties have heard each other out and further expressed hope that the next round of talk would be more meaningful and fruitful. He also informed that he would issue instruction for fixing the date for the next TPT. HM further informed that the NSCN (IM) and GOI talk is in progress and that the GOM was also committed and requested the Naga Civil Society leaders to extend their help and cooperation to the ongoing peace talk.

May 11, 2011:

UNC met HM at Ukhrul and it was agreed that the next round of talk would be held in May, 2011 at Tahamzam. It was also assured that the GoM would be represented by political positions as the issue is political in nature.

21st May, 2011:

Consultative Meeting held at Taphou Naga village, Tahamzam to obtain opinion of intellectuals, social leaders, tribe Hohos, women, students and activists for concretizing the political position taken and to translate into a reality through democratic process of dialogue and negotiation.

Others consultations – Series of consultative meetings, seminars, public meetings and interaction held with Naga leaders and also with other tribals groups for securing collective rights through democratic means.

30th June, 2011 :

The 3rd round of TPT scheduled for 30th May, 2011 at Senapati on the intervention of HM was arbitrarily deferred based on the decision of the GoM,which cited delicate law and order situation following the visit of the Chief Minister, Nagaland to Senapati on the 28th May, 2011 for launching of the Manipur Unit of the Naga People’ Front; the non submission of clear agenda for the talk and absence of communication to the GoM from the UNC. All these are unfounded. In view of the evasive approach adopted persistently by the GoM towards the TPT talk initiated by HM and also the GoI’s inability to put down its foot on the delay tactics, the UNC informed the HM on 29th May, 2011 that unless expeditious interventions are made UNC’s position on TPT would be reviewed.

– The 3rd TPT of GOI, GOM & UNC was eventually held on 30th June 2011 at Senapati. Contrary to assurance, GoM represented only by Chief Secretary and senior bureaucrats.

– GOI stated that the Constitution offers enough flexibility to meet the aspiration of all citizens of the country. UNC stated the TPT should discuss what has been placed to GOI and constructive result would be possible by adhering to the core issue. UNC appealed to the conscience of the GoI to look at the merit of the case.

– GOI conceded that there are different perceptions with regard to the way forward. GOM maintained that the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be compromised. Anything within Manipur can be considered and dialogued.

– UNC stated that GoI cannot be rigid on an unconstitutional issue of the territorial integrity of Manipur. It was up to the GoI to continue the process with a bipartite talk as the GoM has already closed the door for further discussion.

– The talk concluded with GoI summing up that the clarity with which parties have addressed each other was beneficial. It lays down the need for further interaction as and when something substantive can be worked out. The sentiments expressed have been understood and shall be carried back to the principals.

21st Sept., 2011 :

MHA, GoI, in its letter dated 6th Sept., 2011 received by UNC indicated that the ADCs in Manipur are being empowered by delegating more executive and financial powers and requested for a brief concept paper defining the alternative arrangement for consideration of the GoM.

24th Sept., 2011 :

The Naga people in Manipur recommitted themselves to uphold and reaffirm the Declaration of the NPC. It also resolved that the movement for securing AA for the Nagas will be intensified in all manners deemed fit under the aegis of the UNC. The participants of the recommitment programme consisted of the presidents and general secretaries of all tribes, tribe women presidents, tribe student presidents, 2 intellectuals/social leaders from each tribe, 4 from each frontal organisations, 2 from each regional/district organisations, members of CFAA, Naga Christian Forum & Naga Parliamentarian Forum.

29th Sept. 2011 :

UNC responded to MHA, GoI letter dated 6th Sept., 2011 that the GoI may initiate the process of intervention with an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur within 20 (twenty) days of the letter and should the same be not forthcoming, UNC would have no option but to revert back to sustained agitation till the demand is met.

25th Oct., 2011 :

W.e.f. from the date, one hour curfew was enforced by ANSAM due to non receipt of response from the MHA, GoI.

2nd Nov., 2011 :

UNC Met HM at Senapati in the presence of Chief Minister of Manipur. HM urged to arrange for taking forward the dialogue process for the demand for AA as considerable time had passed since the last TPT and also to expedite the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue. UNC expressed strong exception to agreement entered into with Sadar Hills District Demand Committee by GoM on the 30th October, 2011. HM assured TPT would be continued. He informed that much progress has been made in the Indo-Naga talk and assured that decision on Sadar Hills will not be taken without consulting the stakeholders, which includes the Nagas.

22nd Nov., 2011:

Rally to demand for AA organized in Chandel.

25th Nov., 2011:

Rally to demand for AA organized in Ukhrul.

28th Nov., 2011:

Rally to demand for AA organized in Tamenglong

30th Nov., 2011:

Rally to demand for AA organized in Senapati.

3rd Dec., 2011:

UNC met Prime Minister at Raj Bhavan, Imphal. UNC expressed concerns that despite 14 years there is no settlement of the Indo-Naga issue and urged GoI to expedite the peace process for early settlement. PM stated that GoI is serious about finding an acceptable and honourable solution to the Indo-Naga issue.

– UNC also submitted that the GoI should intervene with an alternative arrangement outside GoM pending settlement of Indo-Naga issue. The issue is based on sharp social divide on communal lines in Manipur. Nagas are not able to live under the communal GoM and still protect their identity, their rights to their land, traditional institution and cultural practices.

– PM requested UNC to continue the TPT and to refrain from adopting bandhs as means of protest.

16th Dec., 2011 :

Ban on construction work of Trans Asian Railway line and exploration work by Alfa-Geo for period of two months to protest against the statement of the Prime Minister of India on territorial integrity of Manipur on 3rd December at Kangla.

21st Dec., 2011 :

Copy of 12th Dec., 2011 letter to GoM by MHA, GoI endorsed to UNC received which advised GoM to fix date and venue for next round of TPT.

22nd Dec., 2011 :

One hour public curfew suspended by ANSAM on account of Christmas & the festive season and receipt of endorsement of GoI letter dated 12th Dec. 2011.

2nd Jan., 2012 :

1st Federal Assembly of UNC endorsed the resolutions of the Presidential Council (PC) meetings held on 7th , 15th , and 30th Dec., 2011. As logical extension of the Presidential Council resolutions and given the situation of the Nagas in Manipur and the commonality in principle and ideology on the political agenda of the Nagas, the assembly resolved that the Naga People’s Front would be supported in the ensuing 10th General Assembly Election. It was not a hiatus but application towards severance of ties for an alternative arrangement.

15th Feb., 2012 :

Ban on construction work of Trans Asian Railway line and exploration work by Alfa-Geo suspended till such time as the election code of conduct was effective and pending installation of popular Government.

13th April ,2012:

In terms of PC dated 4 April, 2012, the MHA, GoI with reference to their endorsement letter dated 12th Dec., 2011, was urged to expedite resumption of the dialogue process at the earliest. No official response received so far. Informal communication from GoI indicates that MHA is sincere about the process and are trying to prevail upon GoM to come around to the negotiating table.

27th April, 2012:

Consultative meeting for the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur(ANSAM)and its constituent units held at Katomei, Tahamzam (Senapati) to update on the peoples’ movement.

28th April, 2012:

Consultation with the Naga Women Union and its constituent units at TNK village, Tahamzam to update on the peoples’ movement.

6th May, 2012:

2nd anniversary of the observance of the martyrdom of Loshou & Chakho held at Martyr’s Park, Mao Gate and the position of the Nagas in Manipur for an immediate alternative arrangement outside the GoM, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue was reaffirmed.

8th May, 2012 :

Consultative meeting convened by Naga Hoho reaffirms the endorsement of 18th June, 2010 and 16th July, 2010 for the demand for alternative arrangement by Nagas in Manipur.

22nd May to 25th May, 2012

Capacity building programme for Executives of the constituent units of the UNC, Naga regional organisations and Naga frontal organizations held at Ukhrul.

8th June, 2012:

After the above series of the consultations, Presidential Council, UNC decides that movement for an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur would be intensified. 48 hours total bandh observed in Naga areas w.e.f midnight of 16th June, 2012 to urge the GoI for intervention with an alternative arrangement.

11th July, 2012:

Public Statement on 96 hours total bandh w.e.f midnight of 23th July, 2012 as no response from GoI to registered public protest.

18th July, & 21st July, 2012:

MHA, GoI communicates that matter is under active consideration of the GoI and request for withdrawal of bandh. UNC suspends bandh which was to begin at midnight of 23rd July, 2012.

13th August, 2012:

Public Statement on 96 hours total bandh w.e.f midnight of 20th August, 2012 as assurance of GoI not translated to initiative.

20th August, 2012:

MHA, GoI communicates to UNC that GoM has decided to participate in the tripartite talk at Delhi and date of talk fixed on 31st August, 2012.

31st August, 2012:

4th round of talk held at Hotel Ashoka, Delhi, where UNC expressed displeasure over inordinate delay in resumption of the talk process which reflects disrespect for the democratic process of dialogue on the part of the GoI and the GoM. UNC tables postulates of Alternative Arrangement. Meeting decides to have next round at early date in Manipur in the hill district.

The Alternative Arrangement is for the people

Our position has been established and registered. Our case has been recorded in history. Forcing the oppressed minorities to be oppressed over and over again in the name of pluralism contradicts the very essence of Indian democracy and human dignity. Should the democratic process of dialogue initiated by the HM, GoI get derailed, the onus thereof would be entirely on the GoI.

In such event, it will become necessary to explore the option of securing AA without having to continue with the TPT. Nagas will then have to take up action to make Alternative Arrangement a reality in our land even if the GoI backtracks on the commitment of the HM, GoI and refuses to carry out the constitutional obligations to ensure that the democratic process of dialogue leads to solution and instead, allow the GoM to scuttle the process on unfounded pretext and become an accomplice to the perpetuation of their hegemony over the Nagas.

There is unrest around the globe today, because of the assertions of historical and political rights, territorial boundaries and demand for removal of unjust systems. Sustained movements have brought changes in the lives of peoples and nationalities. Should we fail not to learn from the lessons around, we can only blame ourselves.

The demand for AA is for all Nagas – young, old ,rich, poor, educated, illiterate, employed, entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, professionals, missionaries and church workers, ordinary citizens, leaders and members of all political parties, all political groups who are fighting for the people and the land. It is for all without exception. It is for our collective today as also for our tomorrow. The same condition will continue and our situation will not change if we do not unite and in one accord stand up to secure our rights and the future of our people. Instead of supporting and becoming the owners of this movement, if Nagas themselves become the agents of the adversaries, such crime will be answerable to posterity. If we cannot wrest it now, we leave that legacy to our posterity and indeed they will struggle too. But what is clearly laid out and what is possible today must be generously and courageously, and with vision and foresight realized.

IMPHAL, November 4: The United Committee, Manipur (UCM) has submitted a memorandum to Prime MinisterDr Manmohan Singh today saying that the people of Manipur will not tolerate any move of the Government of India that is against the interest of the state in the event of the signing of agreement with the NSCN (IM).
Informing the media about its memorandum today, UCM President Yumnam Nabachandra said even if the territorial integrity of Manipur is not affected anything that may be a negative factor for the relationship of the various communities of Manipur will be thwarted by the UCM when an agreement is inked between New Delhi and the NSCN (IM).

Nabachandra however said the UCM welcomes the peace talks between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) to bring about a solution to the long standing deadlock but will vehemently oppose any step that pose threat to the territorial integrity of the State and to any solution that might inflict hatred to different peace loving communities of Manipur.

The UCM has also demanded a white paper on the 15 years long peace process between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) in the true spirit of the Indian democracy so that the people of Manipur are not kept in complete darkness before sacrificing Manipur at the altar of peace.
“The government of India will be held fully responsible for total alienation of the people of Manipur from the Indian mainland and the far reaching consequences thereof,” the UCM memorandum to the Prime Minister cautions.

Meanwhile, the UCM memorandum to the Prime Minister said, “On the behalf of the people of Manipur, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) would like to submit this memorandum to draw your kind attention in connection with the latest development to bring a logical conclusion to the peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM”.

Reminding of the historical background of Manipur, her international treaties with the then British India Government and Burma (Myanmar) that Manipur was recognized as a sovereign princely state was maintained more than 2000 years within the South East Asia, the memorandum added.

Manipur was conquered by the British India Government on 27th April, 1891 after Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, the UCM missive further added.
“Remembering the historic event of 1947 that Manipur regained her sovereignty after the lapse of British paramouncy on 14th August, 1947 that the state was a sovereign princely state. Then, Manipur had a popular government after a general election of 1948 under the Manipur Constitution Act, 1947.

“Deeply concerned with the historic event of Manipur that the Maharaja of Manipur, Shrijut Bodhachandra was cordoned at Shillong and took signature on the already prepared Merger Agreement under duress and coercion and hence, Manipur became a Part-C State within the Dominion of India since then. This is the fact file of the background of Manipur. Since time immemorial, all the ethnic communities of Manipur have been living together peacefully and harmoniously,” the memorandum recalled.
Reminding the recent and last promises made by the then and present Prime Ministers and Home Ministers upon the peace loving people of Manipur that the Manipur’s boundary and area must not be disturbed at the negotiation between NSCN-IM and government of India, that must be kept unchanged, the UCM stated.

“Honouring the Manipur State Assembly’s resolutions took place many times for the protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur, we hope that the Union Government should also honour the same,” the UCM stated. The people of Manipur will never compromise with the territorial integrity of Manipur besides the democratic functioning of the state of Manipur just to appease the NSCN (IM), it stated. NNN/MExn

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IMPHAL, Oct 31 (NNN):The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) has expressed surprise at the recent statement of Union Home MinisterSushil Kumar Shinde that he had met both the Chief Ministers of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to solve the vexed Naga issue before the onset of Nagaland election due in March next year. AMUCO president K.T Rehman expressed his opposition to the talk of the Union home minister with the two chief ministers. KT Rehman said this on the sideline of distribution of pea seeds at the organization’s office, saying that Shinde’ s move was out of reason and questioned the real motive behind the statement.

Rehman questioned why even as the NSCN (I-M) had claimed some territory of Assam, yet it has not been disclosed in his (Shinde) statement. The AMUCO president asserted that the people of Manipur have trust in the assurance given by Prime Minister M

anmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi that the territorial integrity of the state would not be touched. However, the recent development has panicked the people, he said. Whether be it alternative arrangement, supra-state body, southern Nagaland or demand of autonomy, there is no objection from the AMUCO side except that the outcome of any peace talk should not touch the territorial integrity of Manipur, the AMUCO chief said.

Rehman also noted that distribution of seeds was done as a step to promote agricultural activities in the state and to make the land self sufficient and not dependent on outside import in regard to agricultural products, he said, lamenting that in ancient times, the state was not dependent on other sources. However, after the state merged with India, food dependency occurred, that when the two national highways were blocked, people of Manipur were put in panicky situation, he stressed.

Manipur government should take up programmes for smooth implementation of agricultural activities as the state is likely to face scarcity of food due to dearth of rainfall, he urged while 25 bags of American pea were distributed to the farmers of the state.

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IMPHAL, Oct 15 : Taking serious note of the agreement reportedly rea-ched between the Govern- ment of India and NSCN (IM) in the ongoing Naga peace process as reported in The Indian Express, the United Committee, Mani-pur (UCM) stated that it is ready to launch mass agita-tion more intense than the one launched in 2001 in case the State and Central Government take any deci-sion against the interest of people of Manipur.

A statement issued today by the IPR Secretary of UCM, Ng Deba Meetei demanded the Central Government to come out clearly to the people of Manipur on certain special rights entitled to the Nagas in the NE States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal as mentioned in the report.

Stating that Chief Minister O Ibobi should have made it clear about his meeting with Union Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, the UCM statement recalled that it had demanded the CM to maintain transparency in the matter through the media on October 12.

It asserted that making known to the people of Manipur about ‘certain special rights’ of the Nagas would serve the well-being of all the people.

The UCM further appealed all concerned to remain alert in case the territorial integrity of the State is challenged as there is questionable ‘hidden agenda’ of the Manipur and Central Governments in the Naga peace process. TSE

Nevertheless, it is heartening to hear that a solution is in sight to NSCN-IM’s prolonged armed struggle which would ultimately free the people of Nagaland from the scourge of armed conflict.

Speaking to media persons this afternoon about the recent developments in the political dialogue between Government of India and NSCN-IM, UCM president Y Nabachandra said that the UCM was happy to hear that the 15 year old negotiation between New Delhi and NSCN-IM is finally arriving at a solution.

However, the political dialogue should not affect Manipur. This was already demonstrated by the Great June Uprising of 2001 in which many people were martyred.

It was the collective stance of the people of Manipur and there is no change to this collective stance.

The Government of India should not commit the blunder of disturbing communal harmony in the interest of a single community.

The ongoing dialogue between Government of India and NSCN-IM should maintain a level of transparency.

At the same time, both the Centre and the State Government should act responsibly keeping in mind aspirations of all sections of the society, Nabachandra stated.

In case, the Government commit the blunder of going against the collective wish of the people, Manipur would certainly witness a series of Great June Uprisings.

Reminding that UCM was basically founded to safeguard unity of Manipur as well as its territorial integrity, Nabachandra asserted that UCM is still standing firm on the same standpoint together with the people.

In case the Government of India threatens and challenges the integrity of Manipur in the name of finding a solution to the ongoing political dialogue, all national level political parties would be uprooted from the soil of Manipur.

Moreover, UCM together with the people of Manipur would demand pre-merger status of Manipur.

To a query, the UCM president stated that they are all prepared to face any eventuality resulting from the political dialogue and protect the integrity
of Manipur by the united strength of all communities of Manipur. TSE